SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RADIAL HEAD ISOLATED MASON III FRACTURES

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Injury

Author(s): Giacomo Strigini, Michele Rendina, Matteo Ghiara, Fabrizio Quattrini, Laura Ghidoni, Valeria Burgio, Pietro Maniscalco, Francesco Benazzo

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In this retrospective study we have analyzed a consecutive series of patients affected by isolated radial head Mason III fractures and treated with bone resection or prosthesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study includes 24 patients affected by fractures mentioned above and treated between July 2009 and November 2015.

15 patients (average age 48 y.o.) have been treated with prosthesis. The remaining 9 (average age 57,3) have been treated with a capitellectomy instead.

From a clinical point of view, we have evaluated the patients according to main performance indicators such as range of motion, pain, instability and Mayo Elbow Performance Score as parameters.

RESULTS

We have found similar results in both group, with an average MEPS value of 95 in the prosthesis group and 96,6 in the radial head resection group.

The range of motion was similar too: between 1,3° and 120,3° in the first group and between 4,4° and 120° in the second one. No significant complication has detected in any patient.

DISCUSSION

According to most recent literature, it is not precisely defined how to treat isolated Mason III fractures, contrary to what is defined in more complex pattern, in which prosthesis are now evaluated as the best indication.

Due to radial head limited contribution to elbow stability, in absence of other bony or ligamentous lesions both capitellectomy and prosthesis can be good treatment in this kind of fracture.

CONCLUSION

According to our experience and to the most recent literature, we recommend prosthesis in patient younger than 50 y.o., high demanding or manual worker, while in other cases we think that radial head resection can be the treatment of choice.

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